In the silence, the Brucolac one-handedly unbuckles his right gauntlet, biting at the buckles where he can't unfasten them with his fingers, shaking his hand free. It clangs to the floor with a noise that makes Shamash start and begin to whine in Saralegui's arms. The Brucolac looks briefly upset, casting his son a worried look as he reaches to his own mouth and slits the pad of his thumb on one long incisor. The open wound, he puts to Ishtar's mouth. She bites and sucks and wriggles her enthusiasm.

"Yes," he replies. "A boon, long ago. I asked for the King and Queen's help in protecting these two." He sighs. "They have...done well by me. I won't trespass too long on your hospitality, Saralegui. I have to bring them to Aly."